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Uncovering Student Ideas in Astronomy
I’m already a fan of the Uncovering Student Ideas series, but authors Page Keeley and Cary Sneider piqued my interest with the 45 new formative assessment probes in this latest volume, ...
By Carole Hayward
Blog Post
Science of Innovation: biofuels
It’s widely reported that the first “flex fuel” automobile able to run on either gasoline or ethanol was Henry Ford’s Model T. With hemp and other types of cellulosic biomass as the source instead of corn, Ford is quoted as saying that ethyl ...
By admin
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Teaching that uses the Project Approach is one way for children to learn deeply about a topic or concept. Early Childhood Investigations Webinars hosted Dr. Sylvia C....
By Peggy Ashbrook
Blog Post
When I was little, I had an “electric” map of the U.S. There were two wired probes, and the object of the game was to use them to connect the name of the state capital from a list in the margin with a state on the map. (This was long befo...
By Mary Bigelow
Blog Post
I’m student teaching now at an elementary school, and I want to emphasize science. In the classrooms I observe, I see many different layouts and arrangements, but what is the best way to organize a classroom? When I get my own classroom, where ...
By Mary Bigelow
Blog Post
What Are the Best Practices in Professional Development?
Budget dollars for teacher professional development can be scarce, particularly in these economic times. Evaluating the quality of the professional development options available is more critical than ever....
By Carole Hayward
Blog Post
Science and students' interests
Middle school students typically have a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Channeling these into learning opportunities is the challenge for teachers....
By Mary Bigelow
Blog Post
A Little Perspective Goes a Long Way
Elementary teachers can experience a sense of isolation when their schedules don’t allow a lot of interaction with their colleagues. I remember those days well....
By Carole Hayward
Blog Post
The Next Generation Science Standards are scheduled to be released this spring (after several drafts and comment periods)....
By Mary Bigelow
Blog Post
Science of Innovation: self-driving cars
Imagine glancing over to the next car during your commute and seeing the driver with a coffee in hand AND a magazine! Okay—some of you have already witnessed such stupidity—but in the near future none of us will give it a second thought. Instead ...
By admin
Blog Post
Instant Inquiry with iPad and Hand Dryer
Have you ever wondered how fast the air comes out of those newly designed hand dryers? Or perhaps how loud in decibels the fan is. The iPad is a great device for answering this and many other questions on the fly....
By Martin Horejsi
Blog Post
Static electricity, something we experience before we're old enough to understand it
It was a beautiful sunny winter day in the mid Atlantic region in the mid 40s with little wind when I went walking in a wetlands park wearing a synthetic fleece jacket and nylon pants. The boardwalk over the water is made of recycled plastic “lumbe...
By Peggy Ashbrook
Blog Post
Becoming a Responsive Science Teacher
I always enjoy reading books that challenge my way of thinking. Working in education, I read many books for my professional development....
By Carole Hayward
Blog Post
Science of Innovation: Biometrics
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, security lines are here to stay. What if you could move through with just a sideways glance at a camera? That’s becoming a reality with the innovation highlighted in the latest installment of the “Science of Innovation�...
By admin
Blog Post
Getting the most from the NSTA conference
Are you attending the NSTA conference in San Antonio this spring?...
By Mary Bigelow